What makes ethiopian unique

Here globetrotters can experience everything from art, festivals and cultural practices to unique buildings, breathtaking nature and much more. As a travel destination, Ethiopia is different in many ways from its African neighbors.

The painting and crafts are especially unique, and are characterized by the North African and Middle Eastern traditional influences combined with Christian culture. The 11 rock-cut churches of Lalibela are a world heritage site and are just one part of the Afro-Mediterranean civilization that can still only be experienced in Ethiopia. Among these are the year old terraces of the Konso region as well as the up to 30 meter high stele obelisks in located in Axum that were carved out of ton granite blocks.

Another cultural monument is the holy old town in the city of Harar with around mosques and the ancient custom of feeding hyenas- a spectacular show for tourists. Ethiopia also has a special status from a religious perspective. Christianity arrived here in the fourth century. The first Muslims arrived in the country in as refugees and were taken in and protected by the Christian king. The village of Negash is considered the first Islamic settlement and its mosque is a popular tourist destination.

The history of Judaism in Ethiopia also goes back many thousands of years. Ethiopia is indeed the only country in Africa where different religions live together in relative peace- what a nice example of tolerance!

Unfortunately in we were forced to skip the country due to security concerns but are pleased to have it return to our route in ! Here are 10 reasons why we believe this incredible country is unique:. The highest point of the tour, at m, is also in Ethiopia.

The stage with the most climbing in one day m on the tour is also in Ethiopia. It has a unique cultural heritage, being the home of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church - one of the oldest Christian denominations - and a monarchy that ended only in the coup of It served as a symbol of African independence throughout the continent's colonial period, and was a founder member of the United Nations and the African base for many international organisations.

Drought and civil conflict left Ethiopia in a state of turmoil under a Marxist dictatorship from the fall of the monarchy until , when the long authoritarian rule of Meles Zenawi brought a degree of stability. Since , Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has launched a campaign of political liberalisation at home and sought to end disputes with Ethiopia's neighbours, in particular Eritrea. Ms Sahle-Work, an experienced diplomat, promised to work to make gender equality a reality at her swearing-in to the largely ceremonial post.

She took office a week after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed a cabinet with half the posts taken by women. Prime minister: Abiy Ahmed. The new leader pledged to try to end longstanding tensions with neighbouring Eritrea, and within months the two countries declared that the state of war between them was over.

At Gashena, take the road north to Lalibela. Martian landscapes. Located in the tumultuous Afar region on the Eritrean border, the Danakil Depression is strewn with volcanoes and salt lakes and is one of the hottest places on the planet.

So why visit what National Geographic calls "the cruelest place on Earth? Well, this also happens to be one of the most arresting natural sights you'll see in Africa -- or anywhere else. With an unforgiving landscape that's difficult to navigate, it's also one of the few places in Ethiopia where you shouldn't travel alone: most people go with an escort or in a convoy.

Tours can be arranged in Abbis Ababa. Men-only monasteries. Debre Damo houses some of the most ancient Christian scripture in Africa. Gentlemen: you'll have to describe it to the ladies. Just off the main road between Lalibela and Aksum lies Debre Damo, a monastery that can be reached only by scrambling up a meter-high cliff face. There is, however, a discriminatory door policy: only men are permitted to make the perilous ascent to the monastery.

That rule doesn't apply just to female humans -- even livestock of the fairer sex apparently risk distracting the monks from holy contemplation.

Gents who brave the climb can enjoy stunning vistas, as well as a chance to eye some of the most ancient Christian scripture in Africa. Be warned that unofficial "guides" will try to extort inflated fees for their services before letting you back down the cliff -- negotiate the charge beforehand. It's practical to visit Debre Damo en route to Aksum. The monastery lies just outside the small town of Bizet, 12 hours' drive north of Addis and about 50 kilometers west of Adigrat, the last stop on Route 1 before turning west on to Route Follow the road to Bizet and keep a keen eye out for the turn to Debre Damo on the right.